Varun Dhawan has been acting since 2012 and boasts of an enviable list of credits to his name. In a time where no one can predict what the audience is going to like and dislike, the actor has delivered zero flops to date, something which always keeps him in heavy demand. Last seen in Yash Raj Films’ Sui Dhaaga (2018), Varun is currently busy promoting his next release, Kalank. Helmed by Abhishek Verman, Kalank is a multi-starrer period drama also featuring Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt, Aditya Roy Kapur and Sonakshi Sinha in principal roles.
In his latest interview with Eastern Eye correspondent, Mohnish Singh, Varun talks openly about his character in Kalank and what went into its preparation from his end. He also shares his experience of working in a multi-starrer. We also hear about his wish to work in a biopic on his filmmaker father, David Dhawan.
Tell us something about Zafar, your character in Kalank?
Zafar is a very hard-hitting, serious and intense character. One thing that I have learnt while working on this project is that people are not bad; circumstances make them react to certain things in certain ways. Also, how a person is raised contributes a lot to what he becomes. The film is based in the 1940s, a period when our country and people were going through a lot. The atmosphere back then was such that made people really hard.
How did you prepare for your character?
I always had a maulana on the sets of the film, who taught me everything from how to perform wudu (a type of ritual purification in Islam) to how to offer namaz, etc. We were very particular about everything. Instead of learning things by watching videos and all, I preferred to have a person who could teach me everything.
I did not only learn how to perform wudu and offer namaz, but I also made sure that I understood the meaning and significance of everything that Zafar does being a Muslim guy. It feels good when you know the real meaning of what you are doing as an actor. I really enjoyed playing the character of Zafar.
I still remember that when I went to the sets of Heera Mandi to commence the shoot with the song ‘First Class’, there were almost 500 dancers and the moment they saw me wearing a pathani suit and those kohl-rimmed eyes of mine, they started screaming, “Zafar bhai! Zafar bhai!’ That gave me a real high.
Does the film also touch upon Indo-Pak partition?
The film does have the backdrop of partition, but it does not revolve around the horrors of partition. It does not go deep into Hindu-Muslim conflicts and all. Zafar and Roop (Alia Bhatt) do belong to two different religions, but we have not used it as a ploy to draw big twists and turns. Religion and partition have been used just as a backdrop. The entire film does not revolve around these elements only.
How did it feel to work with such a huge star cast?
It is always very, very exciting to do something like that. When I heard the story of the film for the first time, I felt it has to have a bunch of amazing actors in it. Everyone has been cast in their role for a purpose. Sanjay Dutt is correct for Balraj Chaudhry. No one else could have done the role of Bahar Begum better than Madhuri Dixit. Aditya fully fits the character that he plays in the movie. He has pulled it off so well. Sonakshi is perfect for Satya. It becomes very special when Alia and I do a film together. I am waiting to see how the audience reacts to Kalank.
You and Alia have a huge fanbase. How does it feel when fans react so positively to films you two do together?
It is exciting. It is very exciting. We both have travelled the whole country – in fact, the whole world – together to promote our films. We have performed, danced and done a whole lot of things during promotions. Apart from how do we feel about everything, there is a big responsibility also, because people expect something special from us and our films. It is nice that we have done something different in Kalank from the Dulhania series and the campus romance.
We also like to challenge ourselves as actors. We are also growing up. She started working when she was 17 and I was 22. A lot of time has elapsed and we both have grown up. The characters that we play in Kalank show our growth and maturity. It proves we can do this as well. When people look at our careers 10-15 years down the line, individually or as a duo, they should feel that we did so many diverse characters as actors.
How was it to work with Abhishek Verman?
I have said this in my previous interviews also and I reiterate it that Abhishek Verman is a very adamant filmmaker. He was very obsessive about this film. When I was doing action sequences, his main focus was on getting what he wanted. He was not at all concerned about the fact that I may break my hand while doing those sequences or I may even fall and die.
Abhishek has spent a lot of time on this film. It is very close to his heart. So he wanted everything to be exactly the way he had visualized. If he was not satisfied with a certain shot, he would come and ask me to do it again or until he was satisfied. He is a very unyielding but talented filmmaker. For a filmmaker, it is a superb mixer. He is just 36, and trust me he has made quite a big film for his age. Though you won’t find him anywhere around for promotions and all, let me tell you that he is more concerned about this project than anyone of us. I really enjoyed working with him.
Share your experience of working with Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit.
It was an amazing experience. I have several scenes with Madhuriji. And these are not just any random scenes; they are very powerful scenes.
When Madhuriji comes on the sets, she does not go anywhere till the shoot for the day is not finished. She works with so much dedication. She observes others’ work very passionately. She is indeed a great artist. I really loved working with her and Sanju Baba.
When are you starting the remake of Coolie No. 1 (1995) with your father, David Dhawan?
I will start work on that film after wrapping up Street Dancer 3D.
There were reports that you have replaced Rajkummar Rao in Stree 2?
No, man! Everyone is asking me the same question. This is not at all true. I am not replacing Rajkummar Rao in Stree 2. That is his film. Having said that, I would love to work with Rajkummar Rao someday. I would love to work with Amar Kaushik and the entire team of Stree.
Would you like to do a biopic?
Yes, I would love to do a biopic and there is something we are currently working on. I would also love to do a biopic on my father. I have seen him go through so many ups and downs in life. He came to Mumbai to become an actor but ended up becoming a director. He has worked with so many talented artists like Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, Govind, Salman Khan, etc. I think it will be an interesting film. Let me tell you that he is scared of cats. Once he was shooting in Switzerland and cats over there were quite chubby. He was very scared of them. He is also afraid of escalators. Whenever he travels to other countries and sees skyscrapers, expressions on his face change swiftly. He is still that small town boy at heart.
Ed Sheeran’s latest single, Sapphire, is out now, and it marks a new chapter in his musical journey. With the Indian rhythms, rich storytelling, and unexpected star power, Sapphire is a big cross-cultural leap for the British singer-songwriter.
A musical journey through India with Arijit and SRK in the spotlight
Bringing together the soulful voice of Arijit Singh, choreography by Bollywood icon Farah Khan, and a surprise appearance by Shah Rukh Khan, the song celebrates global connection. Recorded during Sheeran’s visit to India earlier this year, Sapphire captures the spirit of collaboration and joy. From a sitar-laced melody to Arijit's vocals, the track has the feel of a summer anthem rooted in shared sounds and stories.
Shah Rukh Khan makes a special appearance in the Sapphire music video
The music video, directed by Liam Pethick, traces Sheeran’s journey across India, starting on a rooftop at sunrise and winding through beaches, bustling markets, and backlot film sets. There is even a stop at A.R. Rahman’s music school, where he jams with young musicians. One standout moment was a studio session with Arijit and a bike ride around his hometown.
In his own words, Ed says, " Sapphire was the first track that really gave me direction for the album. I finished it in Goa with some amazing Indian musicians. Getting Arijit on board was the missing puzzle piece. We even recorded a Punjabi version that drops soon; it’s one of my favourites on the record."
Ed Sheeran and Arijit Singh in India
New album Play coming this September and live shows sell out instantly
Sapphire is part of Sheeran’s upcoming album Play, releasing on 12 September 2025. After closing the Mathematics era, this album sees him experimenting with sounds from India and Iran.
In other exciting news, Sheeran’s homecoming gigs in Ipswich, his first UK headline shows since 2023, sold out immediately. Taking place at Portman Road Stadium in July, the three-night run will feature guests like Tori Kelly, James Blunt, and Busted. A portion of ticket sales will go to The Live Trust, a new fund aimed at supporting grassroots music professionals.
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Badshah reacts to backlash over controversial Dua Lipa comment
Rapper Badshah found himself in hot water after a social media post about global pop sensation Dua Lipa. What started as a simple tweet, her name with a heart emoji, quickly spiralled into chaos when a fan asked if they were collaborating. Badshah's response? "I'd rather make babies with her bro."
Badshah's viral response to the comment under his tweet Twitter Screengrab
The backlash was instant. Critics called the remark objectifying and disrespectful, forcing Badshah to clarify. Trying to douse the fire, he later posted, "I think one of the most beautiful compliments you can give a woman you really admire is to wish for her to mother your children. Meri soch nahi, tumhari soch saamne aayi hai." But the clarification didn't sit well with many, who criticised him for doubling down rather than acknowledging the issue. "Since when did that qualify as a compliment?" one user wrote, while others called it tone-deaf and entitled.
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Honey Singh joins the fray with a sarcastic jab
As the debate raged on, Badshah's longtime rival, Honey Singh, couldn't resist chiming in. Reacting to the rapper's explanation on Instagram, Singh dropped a sarcastic "Genius 😂👏👏," clearly mocking the justification. Fans caught the dig immediately, with some laughing at the not-so-subtle jab between the two, who've had a rocky relationship for years.
Badshah had previously expressed a desire to end their feud, but Singh's latest comment suggests the tension isn't fading anytime soon. Meanwhile, the rapper continues to make headlines, whether for his dramatic weight loss, rumoured romance with Tara Sutaria, or this latest controversy. One thing's clear: Badshah knows how to stay in the spotlight, but not always for the right reasons.
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Anurag Kashyap reacts sharply to Ted Sarandos’ remarks on Sacred Games
Anurag Kashyap is known for being outspoken, and this weekend he made headlines again, this time taking aim at Netflix’s top boss Ted Sarandos. The filmmaker lashed out after Sarandos questioned the streaming platform’s early approach in India, particularly their decision to kick things off with Kashyap’s gritty crime drama Sacred Games in 2018.
During an interview on Nikhil Kamath’s podcast People by WTF, Sarandos said he may have chosen a more “populist” route if he could go back, admitting the series was perhaps too novel for the Indian market at the time. The comments didn’t sit well with Kashyap, who fired back on social media, calling Sarandos “the definition of dumb” and sarcastically suggesting the platform should’ve launched with traditional “saas-bahu” content instead.
Kashyap takes aim at Netflix’s shift to mass-market content
Kashyap’s reference wasn’t just casual; it came at a time when Netflix India has partnered with Balaji Telefilms, led by Ektaa Kapoor, best known for her highly successful daily soaps like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The filmmaker’s post read: “He should have started with Saas Bahu… he would have done well. Which he is doing now. I always knew tech guys are dumb when it comes to storytelling, but @tedsarandos is the definition of dumb is what I didn’t know.”
The post sparked debate online, with even singer-actor Lisa Mishra chiming in to support Kashyap, saying that everything on OTT today is “derivative… specifically of Sacred Games.”
Kapoor, without naming Kashyap, responded via Instagram by accusing unnamed artists of being classist. She defended soap operas, claiming they gave a voice to Indian women and were even studied by international researchers. Her post ended with a call for inclusivity and “graciousness.”
Ekta Kapoor's story Instagram screengrab/ektakapoor
A clash of content ideologies in India’s OTT landscape
Sacred Games, co-directed by Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane and starring Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, was a landmark moment for Indian streaming content. Though it didn’t continue past two seasons, it opened doors for darker, more experimental storytelling in Indian OTT.
Sarandos’ comments appear to suggest that while Sacred Games earned critical acclaim, it may not have been the right commercial launchpad for Netflix in India. Kashyap, however, sees the platform’s current pivot toward formula-driven programming as a step backward.
Ted Sarandos talks about Sacred Games for Netflix IndiaGetty Images
This very public disagreement brings to light a bigger conversation in the entertainment industry, between art that challenges and content that simply sells.
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Fans react as Billie and Nat’s long-rumoured romance takes centre stage
Billie Eilish appears to have confirmed her latest romance in the most cinematic way possible, with a champagne-fuelled kiss on a sunny balcony in Venice. The singer was spotted with actor and musician Nat Wolff, and the intimate moment has fans convinced that the long-rumoured pair are now officially a couple.
In photos circulating online, the Chihiro singer and Wolff are seen locking lips while casually dressed in matching grey T-shirts, enjoying champagne and sunshine in one of the world’s most romantic cities.
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A long-rumoured connection comes into focus
While this is the first clear public display from the duo, Eilish and Wolff’s bond goes back a while. They worked together on her music video Chihiro, which she directed. Around the same time, Nat and his brother Alex opened for her during the North American leg of her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour in 2024.
Fans first started speculating about their closeness earlier this year when the two were seen leaving the iHeart Music Awards together and later on a night out in New York City. Although both had previously described their friendship as platonic, there seemed to be more under the surface.
Fans react as Billie and Nat’s long-rumoured romance takes centre stageGetty Images
In past interviews, Wolff described their connection as one of shared understanding, particularly around living with Tourette syndrome, a condition both have spoken about. “It’s rare to find people you don’t have to explain yourself to,” Wolff once shared, adding that he and Eilish could just “be” around each other.
Keeping it private until now
Eilish has openly said she regrets how much she’s shared about her personal life in the past. In an interview, she stated she wanted to keep her dating life and sexuality out of the spotlight going forward.
A kiss in Italy sparks fresh buzz around Billie Eilish’s love lifeGetty Images
“I wish no one knew anything about my dating life,” she said. “And I’m never talking about who I’m dating ever again.”
Still, their recent public outing in Venice may signal a quiet shift in that. Whether or not they’ll speak out, the photos seem to say plenty.
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The cast of Maybe Happy Ending celebrates their big night at the Tony Awards
South Korea just scored a historic milestone at the Tony Awards, with the musical Maybe Happy Ending bagging six trophies, including Best Musical and Best Lead Actor. The show, centred on two ageing helper robots living on the edge of Seoul, left the awards night buzzing. Korean entertainment, long a force in film, television, and music, is now making serious inroads into Western theatre too.
From Seoul to Broadway: A story born in two languages
Maybe Happy Ending wasn’t always destined for the bright lights of Broadway. It first opened in a small Seoul theatre in 2016, a result of a local arts foundation’s programme. Co-created by South Korean lyricist Hue Park and American composer Will Aronson, the story explores loneliness, connection, and memory through the eyes of obsolete robots. Written in both Korean and English, the piece has been reimagined several times since its debut.
Darren Criss, known to many as a Glee star, played Oliver and took home his first Tony for the role. His co-star Helen J Shen portrayed Claire, the other robot. Together, they brought the emotional weight to a futuristic love story that’s more human than it sounds.
While the robots explore feelings in a near-future Seoul, the show managed to preserve distinct Korean elements like Jeju Island and the traditional plant pot hwabun on the Broadway stage, something fans celebrated online.
A cultural shift, decades in the making
With this win, South Korea joins the rare club of nations with major victories across all four major American entertainment awards, including the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, and now Tonys. From Parasite to Squid Game, and now Maybe Happy Ending, Korean creators are no longer breaking into the global scene, they’re leading it.
The success also validates years of quiet work in South Korea’s theatre scene. Original musicals like Marie Curie and The Great Gatsby have made appearances in the West End and on Broadway, but Maybe Happy Ending marks the first time a Korean musical has truly swept the Tonys.
As one critic noted, more than awards, it’s about shifting global perspectives. Korean musicals are no longer export hopefuls. They’re now centre stage.